How Does Filing a Claim Affect Pennsylvania Auto Insurance?
Having to file a claim against your Pennsylvania auto insurance company can be a scary proposition. You may be fearful at what it may do to your rates. It is true that some claims may increase your rates, but not all claims are equal. Take a minute to understand a little about how a claim may affect your Pennsylvania auto insurance.
Also, it is a good idea to understand some of the basic legalities concerning Pennsylvania auto insurance and claims.
Pennsylvania Auto Insurance and Tort Laws
In the state of Pennsylvania, you have the option of choosing whether you would like a "full tort" or "limited tort" Pennsylvania auto insurance policy. A full tort policy will be more expensive but it does offer you an advantage. With a full tort policy you can sue for virtually any injury you receive in an auto accident.
In a limited tort Pennsylvania auto insurance policy, you can only sue if you are seriously injured to the point of death, disfigurement, or severe impairment of bodily function. Very few successful lawsuits occur for those with a limited tort Pennsylvania auto insurance policy, which is the reason car insurance companies offer these policies at a discounted rate.
How to File a Claim Against Your Pennsylvania Auto Insurance
It is important to file your claim properly in order to protect yourself from lawsuit as well as to make sure you get what you deserve as far as compensation. If you do have to file a claim against your Pennsylvania auto insurance, you will absolutely need to do the following.
- Call your Pennsylvania auto insurance company immediately
- Make sure to get a police report
- Make sure of the details of the police report are correct
- Note any details on your own that are not included in police report
- Get a claim filing worksheet from your auto insurance company
- File the claim quickly
- Don't accept an offer that you think is too low
By being prepared and quickly taking action after an accident, you can help your Pennsylvania auto insurance company to be an advocate for you.
Claims that Most Affect Your Pennsylvania Auto Insurance
The larger the accident the more likely it is to affect your Pennsylvania auto insurance. It stands to reason that the more money that is paid out on your behalf by a car insurance company, the more likely they are to raise your rates.
An accident that is your fault and that is costly will be the most damaging to your Pennsylvania auto insurance premiums. Even claims that are not your fault, but may cost the car insurance provider money acting on your behalf may lead to slight increases in your rates.
Small problems such as vandalism of a mirror or paint scratches, if turned into your Pennsylvania auto insurance company could lead to increased rates. For this reason, you should consider whether it is worth it or not to file a claim over something small or to pay for the repairs on your own.
Length of Time a Claim Will Affect Your Pennsylvania Auto Insurance
A claim should not tarnish your Pennsylvania auto insurance policy for more than 3 years. If you go three years without a claim, then you will once again have a clean record as far as claims are concerned. As long as you have not had any traffic violations in the same amount of time, then you should qualify as a good driver and get the best rates available.
Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Non-Renewal Due to too Many Claims
It is possible for you to be denied renewal of your Pennsylvania auto insurance policy because of too many claims. There are, however, restrictions imposed upon the auto insurance companies as to how this may be applied. If you are involved in 2 specific types of accidents within a 3 year period, and both accidents result in claims of $1,050 or more after you have paid the deductible, the Pennsylvania auto insurance company can deny you renewal of your policy.
Options if Your Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Rates Rise Too High
If you have filed one or more claims and your Pennsylvania auto insurance rates have gone through the roof, then you do have options. You can go online and get Pennsylvania auto insurance quotes from other auto insurance companies.
Not all Pennsylvania auto insurance companies will treat you the same, rate you the same, and thus charge you the same. Try to get about 5 auto insurance quotes online to see if you can save some money by going with a different provider. These quotes take only a few minutes, but could save you a bundle on your Pennsylvania auto insurance.
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